Solid waste and its current inadequate treatment are identified as a growing concerning issue and threat to the environment and public health across Timor-Leste. Waste and its inadequate management constitute a serious problem in itself, and there are strong links to other areas of concern: Drainage and stormwater pollution and drainage channels blockages, leading to flooding and dangerous levels of pollution.
Also, waste taken to the ocean by surface water and sewer systems constitutes a serious problem not only when it is washed up on the beaches but also endangering wildlife, in particular marine life and ecosystems, threatening estuaries, coral reefs, fish and millions of families that rely on the oceans. The Clean Ocean Initiative by EIB/AFD/KfW targets this. The demand of an urgent and long-term solid waste management system is pressed by the fact of the ever-growing population and increase in domestic and commercial activities which have been significantly contributing to the augmentation of waste generated and its composition, particularly in the urban areas of the country.